WHERE TO MEE T
S E OUL
The South Korean capital is a leader in adopting the latest technology and its innovative streak is attracting corporate events. Ramy Salameh reports
B
isected by the Han river, protected by mountains, Seoul was chosen as the capital of Korea 600 years ago by the Joseon dynasty, though there has been a
settlement there for more than 2,000 years. Te city’s dynamism is tangible everywhere,
from Hongdae’s trendsetting arts and fashion, through to the glistening commercial havens Gangnam and Yeouido. And according to the 2019 Bloomberg Innovation Index, Korea is the world’s most innovative nation. Te hub of Asia’s fourth-strongest economy, Seoul has traditionally focused on boosting “soſt- power” credentials, its cutting-edge IT sector and its solid manufacturing base.
Moving forwards, the
government wants to future proof the economy by advancing
the growth of new industries, including AI, blockchain, biomedicine and electric vehicles. And the latest report from the Union
of International Associations (UIA) reflects South Korea’s popularity when it comes to hosting international meetings, especially in the
‘FOR GROUP TRAVEL ORGANISERS WITH SPECIALIST REQUIREMENTS, SEOUL IS BRIMMING WITH SOLUTIONS’
medical science, automotive, tech and fintech arenas – Seoul has been one of the UIA’s top three destinations for three consecutive years. Sara Yoon, CEO of Meari Travel – a Stockholm-
based MICE travel agency that regularly arranges events in Seoul – says: “Seoul’s global standing as a MICE capital continues to develop rapidly, thanks to new and unique venues and incentives. For group travel organisers with specialist requirements, Seoul is brimming with solutions.” It has been said that South Korea is living our technology future now – something
international visitors passing through Incheon International airport’s new second terminal will attest to. Forecast to handle 18 million passengers a year, it is packed with smart-tech – from guide robots to 3D mapping. Close to the airport is Songdo – dubbed Korea’s smartest city and home to the LEED-certified Songdo Convensia (
songdoconvensia.com), a convention centre that recently doubled its event space to 64,000 sqm. Recent hotel openings include RYSE (rysehotel.
com), a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel in Hongdae; Hyatt Andaz in Gangnam (hyatt. com); and Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon (
accorhotels.com), built in the style of a hanok (traditional Korean house). Marriott recently signed a partnership deal with the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) geared towards attracting high-value international corporate meetings. Te globalisation of Korea’s contemporary
culture has become such a phenomenon, it has been given a name – “Hallyu”. Te meteoric rise of K-Pop music, K-Drama and K-Cosmetics has helped to diversify incentive options. What’s more, sustainable regeneration projects are offering inspiring event venues. For example, the Seoullo 7017 walkway – once traffic-clogged flyovers – has been up-cycled into a sky garden redolent of New York’s High Line. For culture-rich incentives,
Gwangjang and Namdaemun markets are atmospheric places for groups to experience Seoul’s street food, while Jingwansa and Bongeunsa Buddhist temple stay programmes are ideal for team-building through martial arts, meditation or tea ceremonies. Also not to be missed from an incentive itinerary is the unique opportunity to step foot in North Korea at the Demilitarised Zone in Panmunjeom, the site of two Inter-Korean summits.
→ NOVEMBER 2019 | 37
Left: The Han river flows through the city Below: Gyeongbokgung Palace Opposite page: Sunset over the Seoul skyline
VINCENT_ST_THOMAS/MONGKOLCHUEWONG/CJNATTANAI/ISTOCK
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